Nicolas Hamilton targets British Touring Car seat

Nicolas Hamilton - younger brother of 2008 world champion Lewis - has announced he hopes to return to racing as early as next season as the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Hamilton was born with cerebral palsy but made his racing debut in 2011 as part of the Renault Clio Cup, a BTCC support series, in a specially-modified car and despite having no previous racing experience. He competed in 16 races in both 2011 and 2012 before making an encouraging start in last season's European Touring Car Cup, though he had to withdraw before the conclusion of the season.

"This year has been really tough, not being able to race following a promising start in the European Touring Car Cup in 2013, where I proved myself as a competitive driver in Europe regardless of my condition," he wrote on his official website. "But that's just how racing goes. However now I am looking ahead and, after months of deep thought in deciding what the best route for my career is, I am excited to announce my ambitions to become the first disabled athlete to compete in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2015."

Brother Lewis tweeted his support shortly after the announcement was made.

Big s/o to my brother @nicolashamilton , for inspiring me & many more in his quest to exceed expectations! Proud of u bro!